There’s nowhere we’d rather live than Richmond, but sometimes we feel the itch to get out of town.
Here are eight driveable destinations to check out the next time you want a low-investment, short-notice getaway.
Small-town charm
Charlottesville | Admittedly, Charlottesville isn’t the most under-the-radar suggestion. Still, it feels like there’s always more to explore, from hikes, thrift shops + farmers markets to southern barbecue, and locally made sips. Plus, have you visited Potter’s Craft Cider?
Smithfield | Shop local, dive into the town’s architectural history, and see what adventures are in store, like visiting the world’s oldest ham and oldest peanut.
Exploration with education
Chrysler Art Museum + Hermitage Museum and Gardens | Curate a day-trip focused on art and beauty with these two Norfolk museums, both near the Elizabeth River for a waterside walk.
Woodlawn + Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House | While these architectural spectacles have a deep history, they also provide stunning exteriors. After you’ve played critic for a bit, take a stroll on the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which runs right through the property.
Outdoor adventures
Great Dismal Swamp | Wildlife watchers are in for a treat at this National Wildlife Refuge on the border of North Carolina. Bring binoculars. Approximately 200 species of birds are known to thrive across the refuge’s ~113,000 acres.
Eccentric finds
Pink Cadillac Diner | You’re on a stretch of open road, when all of a sudden, you land on the Pink Cadillac Diner. It’s a pit stop you’d see in a movie, and it’s a 5-minute drive from the remarkable Natural Bridge State Park.
American Celebration on Parade Museum | This unlikely museum reopens in April — a treasure trove of uncanny parade floats and memorabilia reflecting on some of America’s most extravagant traditions.
The President Heads | Maybe you’ve been to Williamsburg, but have you ventured to see the ominous field of sculptures representing past presidents? You’ll have to watch the calendar for ticketed viewing events, as this site is not regularly open to the public.
